Dance of the Gods

The priest led Veronica to a small library within the cathedral.

After drinking that last tea her mental state greatly improved, she sat down in an armchair and waited for Father Martin to come back.

The library was small, it hardly be called one in reality. There were four large bookshelves in total, it also had a large couch, an armchair and a small table. The light source supposed to be natural from the sizable window, but since it was night a few gas lamps provided illumination.

While waiting she remembered all the things he said about this world's nature. And after the encounter with Madam Stout, she had actual proof of it as well. Also he remembered about all those times when the Miles family or Alex tried to hide information from her.

'So they know about the magical side of this world... But why are people keeping it a secret? I feel like the Madam Stout situation would happen less if that wouldn't be the case... But I still lack knowledge, so there must be some other reason...'

While waiting in silence she started to get bored. Her brain just couldn't stop thinking about all the new things she could learn.

'Maybe I can become one of those ascended Father Martin talked about... A person with unimaginable powers!'

After waiting a bit longer, she finally had enough and got up from the chair. This was a library after all, so she might as well find something to read while waiting. One after the other she looked at the books on the shelves, but all of them were some sort of religious text... Boring stuff.

'Is there nothing about history? I mean religious texts can contain history as well, but most of them are very biased... And they constantly try to find some morality in every situation... There is a reason why I stayed with historical battles!'

Veronica quickly read through the titles of every book, but non of them were interest to her. When she was about to sit back down she noticed a book on the small table. Without much hope she grabbed it and was pleasantly surprised.

The title of the book read: Murder at Sea –– J. Y. Simmons.

'Huh... Even the father reads his books... Well, I do have some free time so might as well check it out.'

She left the bookmark in its place and opened it at the first page. She didn't even read the synopsis, just started reading it and soon got fully absorbed by the story.

The book was about a young sailor who works on a cruise ship. On one night he witnesses a murder, but doesn't see who done it exactly. There is also a detective on board and the two of them try to find the killer.

There is also a romance plot in it, but before Veronica could get to the good part the door to the library opened and Father Martin waltzed in. He carried a tray with some more tea and a few pastries on it.

She quickly got up to help, but he just motioned her to sit back down. After placing the tray on the table he poured two cups of tea, then sat down onto the sofa next to her chair.

Veronica was about to start asking questions, but Father Martin beat her to it.

"I see you found the book I've been reading. Do you like it?" He said with his usual warm and kind smile.

"Well, yes... It is pretty good, but I had only read about a fifth of it. I just reached the scene where Hermann is alone with Miss Smith."

Her face had a hint of blush on it, but the father just laughed.

"Ah... That is a very vivid part of the book. This author J. Y. Simmons tends to make the erotic scenes the best. His books must be selling really good in the Tessalion Matriarchy, but maybe not... I heard those people enjoy doing it way more than reading about it."

When he looked back at Veronica all he saw was a confused girl. He quickly realized what caused this expression to appear and with a seductive smile said, "What? Just because I'm a priest I can't enjoy these parts of life? I let you know that back in the day I had many partners, if you don't believe me I can show you some tricks."

Veronica's confused expression soon turned mischievous as she replied.

"What are you like 80? I don't think your heart could take even a second with me!"

Father Martin's face soured as he gotten angry. But he couldn't keep up his irritated façade and soon both of them burst out laughing. After a few seconds he said with an outraged voice.

"80?! I'm only 68 mind you! I'm barely a couple years older than you!"

They laughed again and chatted for a couple more minutes. While drinking the spiritual tea Veronica also grabbed some pastry with a fruity filling inside of it. Only then did she remember her hunger and in a flash all the food was devoured by her.

The father watched her eat all 5 of them with wide eyes, then as Veronica was chewing on the last one he had to physically stop himself from bursting out into another round of laughter.

He had to constantly remind himself that she probably hasn't eaten anything throughout the day, but when Veronica finally turned towards him with a mouth barely containing the food... That was the last straw.

"Wha... is i...?" Some of the letters were inaudible, and that only increased his amusement.

It took her a few seconds to understand what caused his jolly mood, and when she did her face turned red as a tomato. She even turned away and hid her face behind her hands. Quickly she chewed and swallowed the rest, then looked at the father with an annoyed expression.

He was wheezing from all the chuckling, which brought a small smile to her face as well.

They stayed silent for a bit longer, but soon she just couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. She wanted, or more like needed to know more about the magic of this world.

"Father Martin... You promised me to explain more about this world. Could you please begin, I'm really interested about everything!"

His fatherly smile returned and with a small sigh said, "I would love to, but we should probably wait. In this world the supernatural is kept hidden by secret organizations. Every orthodox church has one in most cities, including the Church of Time."

He looked away with a bit of shame as he continued.

"When I saw you in the church I didn't help you only because that was the right thing to do. My ulterior motive was to find out if whatever caused you pain was still a threat, and when you told me the situation, I contacted the Unbroken to work out what exactly happened."

Veronica was confused, in her opinion he did nothing wrong, but the old priest seemed to have very different morals from her. While he was still facing away from the guilt, she stood up and sat down next to him.

When he finally face her, she just grabbed his hand and said with a genuine smile, "Thank you for helping me. Who knows what would've happened to my mental health if you didn't give me that tea. Speaking of tea, lets drink some more while we wait for your friends!"

It was his turn to be stunned, out of every reaction Father Martin didn't expect her to be so forgiving, or thankful. His mood instantly became better and he poured two more cupful.

They chatted for a bit longer. He asked more about Veronica's life as a barmaid and she told him how lucky she was to wake up right next to an inn. She talked about all the interesting people she met, then began complaining how some people only looked at her as a piece of meat.

But he quickly made her feel better by saying 'Well of course they want you! Who wouldn't like to taste a meat as delicious looking as you!'

This made her blush a bit and she realized that when he boasted about how many partners he had, that wasn't a lie. This priest was quite the smooth-talker.

After that it was his turn to talk about his work and how boring it was. He spoke of the religion as well, but every time she tried to pry into the supernatural, Father Martin dodged those questions like an acrobat. He just constantly said that soon some people will arrive and explain everything.

And he wasn't lying. It took them a while, but Veronica soon heard approaching footsteps. There was two of them or maybe more, she couldn't really make it out. They were also whispering between themselves, but she had even less chance of hearing that.

Veronica looked at the father with a bit of concern, but with his usual smile her nerves quickly calmed.

By the time the door to the library opened she was ready to answer any question and learn as much as possible.